ZACH BRYAN MILITARY CAREER HELPED BIRTH HIS COUNTRY STARDOM
Performing three songs on an episode of Yellowstone would be a notable feat for any music star. However, it’s just one of the many feats country’s newest star has achieved recently. Zach Bryan’s self-titled album charted at number one on Billboard. He’s signed to Warner Records, is up for nomination at the 2023 CMA Awards, and is beginning “The Quittin Time Tour” on March 6, 2024. But in his previous job, Bryan was used to a different type of tour. Rather than enjoying the roar of thousands of fans, he was fighting for their freedom. The Zach Bryan military career gave way so that he could pursue a different passion. Related read: Taylor Swift's "Epiphany" Song Meaning is a Dedication to Her Veterans Grandfather
What Did Zach Bryan Do in the Navy?
For Zach Bryan, military service spanned eight years before he hit it big. Well, technically, that’s not entirely true. You see, while serving as an Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class (AO2) in the Navy, a role responsible for storing and handling munitions and weapons on the Navy’s aircraft, he found fame through his songwriting online. During his downtime, Zach Bryan's stardom would rise while he sharpened his songwriting skills. A viral YouTube video made within the Naval barracks for “Heading South” would propel him further. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9bmS1UkFBs Joining the military was simply the family tradition for Bryan. Although his roots may be in Oklahoma, his birthplace was in Okinawa, Japan. This is where his parents were serving at the time. Bryan’s uncles, grandfather, and great-grandfather were also all Sailors. On October 16, 2021, Bryan posted the following alongside pictures connected to his service on his official Instagram account detailing his military career: “I joined the Navy as a 17 year old kid. It’s all I lived, slept and ate for eight years, it’s been all I knew since I was basically a snot-nosed child. It made a man out of me, truly. I ran with some big dogs, saw a few fights, out drank the best of them, but more importantly, got to serve along side some of the best men and women I was ever blessed enough to meet. If it was my decision, I would never get out of the worlds greatest Navy, but here I am and they kindly honorably discharged me to go play some music. Can’t tell if I’m a coward or if I’m chasing a dream but regardless, the best eight years of my life were spent serving the best country in the whole damn world. Thank you guys and I’ll see you on tour. -Z”
Staying In Touch With His Military Roots
Today, he’s creating new albums, being nominated for awards, and playing the Grand Ole Opry. Despite this, he's not losing touch with his military roots. Even though he was still a Sailor when he signed to Warner Records, it’s evident of his ties to service. Zach Bryan’s Navy career isn’t the only one he highlights, showing support for those who serve. This includes appearing on stage at the Auburn Rodeo to celebrate his friend Cameron Tyssen’s re-enlistment as he donned his Sailor uniform.
When Are the CMA Awards?
Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning are hosting the CMA Awards from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN, on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 8 p.m. EST. You can stream it the same day on ABC or the next day on Hulu. While Zach Bryan was snubbed in 2022, and has been critical of the award show in the past, the Veteran is nominated for New Artist of the Year. He is competing against additional rising stars in the country music scene. This includes: Jelly Roll, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, and Hailey Whitters. Millions of eyes will be upon the Navy Vet and military while the Country Music Association is bestowing these honors. After all, it’s country’s biggest night of the year. There is sure to be plenty of performances and entertainment! Suggested read: Tom Sandoval and Celebs Join Season 2 of Special Forces
Was Zach Bryan a Navy SEAL?
Although never a Navy SEAL, Bryan still served as a Sailor, touring abroad in Bahrain and Djibouti. His honorable discharge to pursue his musical venture is why you can now find him playing for thousands of fans. If you’d like to see the Zach Bryan military side project turned full-time gig, you can find tickets to his tour online. Read next: U.S. Special Operations Command Is Sending More Troops for Hostages